Growth Operations Manager

ORIGIN PRIME JOB DESCRIPTION

CONTROLLED

GROWTH SYSTEMS MANAGER

Full Time, Exempt Location:

Davis, CA Salary range: $85K - $100K Please apply to: originprimejobs@gmail.com

ABOUT ORIGIN PRIME

Origin Prime is focused on developing a next generation approach to improve crops for global food security. We utilize state of the art technology for gene discovery and are creating new products based on non-GM approaches.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Controlled Growth Systems Manager leads greenhouse, plant growth chamber and field operations to implement and execute plant care and experimental protocols in close coordination with Origin Prime research managers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Oversees the daily and periodic plant maintenance activities to provide the proper care of plants in the company's greenhouses, growth chamber facilities and orchard. 2. Enforces research methodology and protects research integrity by providing expertise and guidance on proper plant care in the greenhouses and growth chambers. Assigns greenhouse space to research projects, following priorities given by the R&D Head. Implements decisions that improve the infrastructure and management of controlled growth facilities while working closely with R&D. 3. Performs propagation, pruning, irrigation application scheduling, monitoring and management and other hands-on work. 4. Oversees the pest and disease monitoring and control program utilizing chemical, biological and other control measures as appropriate. Designs and oversees hygiene measures to prevent the introduction and spread of pests and diseases. 5. Provides recommendations and application of fertilizers and pest management, understands and implements new advances in technology and the application of technology within greenhouse and growth chamber operations. 6. Implements and oversees biohazard programs as they relate to research involving regulated organisms (i.e., plants, pathogens, arthropods). 7. Manages the installation, repair, adjustment and maintenance of greenhouse and growth chamber systems and equipment required for the operation of the facilities and responds to environmental monitoring alarms. Systems include evaporative cooling systems, greenhouse shading, lighting, humidifying and mist systems, watering systems, pumps, environmental control system and manual overrides, pneumatic controls, steam and water distribution systems, sprayers, and fertilizer injectors, as well as plant growth chamber systems. 8. Maintains and operates field machinery including tractors, forklift, trailers and golf cart. 9. Coordinates the purchase and delivery of growth operations equipment, plant materials and supplies to labs, growth chambers and greenhouse. Assists in the management of the Controlled Growth Systems operational budget, including updating records and providing reports as needed for equipment and supply purchases. 10. Maintains records of soil use, disease and pest control, chemical applications, purchasing records, plant, seed and supply inventory as required internally or to ensure regulatory compliance. 11. Inputs growth operations data in the Laboratory Information Management System database and ensures that it is maintained and up to date. 12. Trains and supervises growth operations staff in their areas of responsibilities and schedules staff for appropriate coverage. Additional Staff Training Duties 13. Assists researchers and other personnel in planting, care, and growth to maturity with a wide selection of plant materials. 14. Assists greenhouse and growth chamber users in the setting up, maintaining, and dismantling of projects. 15. Uses vehicle transportation to purchase supplies, move plants to other buildings or field. 16. Conducts tours of the greenhouse and growth chamber facilities for guests.

Education and Experience Required:

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Biology, or other closely related field. At least 5 years of project management related to scientific research or work experience in a greenhouse or similar environment. Prior experience in a research environment with environmental control systems. Prior experience with greenhouses, growth chambers and orchard management within a research setting. Prior experience with budget spreadsheets, databases. Prior experience implementing Integrated Pest Management strategies or Biological Controls.

Training, Licenses or Certifications Required:

Valid California driver's license. Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) for the use and application of pesticides and herbicides.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

Ability to work under pressure, independently and in a team environment, to solve multiple problems. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with a diverse community to cultivate and maintain relationships. Demonstrated supervisory experience. Ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects in a complex and technical environment. Proficiency with MS Office software and working with databases (e.g., Benchling).

Preferred:

Prior experience working in customer service. Bilingual in Spanish and English.

Environmental Demands:

To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside (for instance in a greenhouse, outside in fields etc.). When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors including, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, high humidity and exposure to noise and allergens. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and physical demands as well including, but not limited to, climbing ladders, lifting, and moving items that weigh up to fifty (50) pounds, and twisting, pushing, and pulling movements. This position will require occasional weekend and holiday availability.

Pay:

$85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person